Lake Crabtree Public Programs

Lake Crabtree County Park offers a variety of birding programs for both beginners and experienced birdwatchers, with opportunities to learn skills and enjoy guided walks through the park’s diverse habitats.

• Birding with Vernon – Year-round (first Saturday each month). Birding with Vernon provides an easy, family-friendly walk focused on spotting and listening for resident and migratory birds throughout the park. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, though loaners may be available. Pre-registration is required. Ages 8+. 
• Beginner Birding Class – Spring and Fall. The Beginner Birding Class introduces adults to the tools, techniques and foundations of birding before heading into the park for a guided practice walk. Binoculars and field guides are available for loan. Pre-registration is required. Adults only.
   

Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars and field guides, though loaner equipment is available.

May–September (occasional). Lake Crabtree offers seasonal fishing programs that introduce participants to the basics of freshwater fishing, including casting techniques and identification of common lake species. Using rods, nets, and hands-on exploration, participants learn safe, responsible angling practices while discovering the fish that call the lake home. Pre-registration is required. Ages 6+.

From March to October, Lake Crabtree County Park offers a variety of paddle programs for all experience levels. Our staff-led paddle programs combine skill-building, exploration, and the natural beauty of the park’s 520-acre lake.

Staff-led Paddle Programs

• Introduction to Kayaking – Spring and Fall. Introduction to Kayaking offers a fun, supportive place for new paddlers to learn kayaking terminology, paddling techniques, and water safety before practicing on the lake. Expect splashes and lots of fun! Pre-registration is required. Ages 14+.
• Sunset Canoe Tours – Spring–Fall. Sunset Canoe Tours take participants on an evening paddle to some of the lake’s best wildlife-viewing spots, including Bird Island and the mouth of Crabtree Creek, in search of herons, beavers, turtles, and more. Canoes seat two to three people, with an adult required in each boat. Pre-registration is required. Ages 8+.
   

Self-guided Paddle Experiences

• Open Paddle – Spring and Fall. Open Paddle sessions allow participants to explore the lake at their own pace using canoes, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) from the rental fleet. All equipment is provided, and participants may paddle solo or with family/friends. Pre-registration is required. Ages 3+.
• Full Moon Paddle – Select Dates. Full Moon Paddles invite adults to experience Lake Crabtree after hours by paddling under the glow of the full moon. Participants may bring their own boat or borrow one from the park. Pre-registration is required. Adults only.
   

Across all paddle programs, participants should expect to get wet. Be sure to wear water shoes and quick-drying clothes, and bring sunscreen and water bottle!

Paddling requires basic mobility and balance to safely enter, exit and maneuver boats. ADA-accessible launch facilities are available for those who need them.

February–November (second or third wednesday each month). Lake Crabtree’s Homeschool/Track-Out Series offers monthly, hands-on, nature-based programs that engage students in outdoor exploration and science learning. Each session focuses on a different topic and features fun, educational activities tailored to homeschool families and year-round students. Parents/guardians may stay or drop off, and pre-registration is required. Ages 6–13.

Storytime for Tots is a monthly, nature-themed program that includes a read-aloud story, simple outdoor exploration, and a hands-on craft or activity. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and pre-registration is required. Year-round (one Wednesday each month). Ages 18 months–6 years.

Year-round (third or fourth Friday each month). Nature Nerds is a monthly science and exploration program featuring hands-on investigation of habitats, wildlife, plants, fungi, and other living things. Participants contribute real data to the park’s Biodiversity Project on iNaturalist. All participants must be accompanied by a registered adult, and pre-registration is required. Ages 10+.

Do you like to explore parks and preserves? Do you like winning prizes? Our Junior Park Explorers program is for you! Learn more here.

The hunt is on during this high-tech “treasure”-hunting activity! Use GPS devices to find hidden containers within the park. This activity is self-guided by getting coordinates from Geocaching.com and bringing your own GPS unit or downloading the Geocaching.com cell phone app.

Those wishing to establish a new cache must email lakecrabtree@wake.gov to request permission.

Check out the links below to see information on the geocaches available surrounding Lake Crabtree.

Each geocache has a series of attributes associated with it. Attributes communicate what to expect at a cache location. Head to the Attribute List to see a full breakdown of what each icon represents.